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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Hamish Morrison

Students to protest Michael Gove and Humza Yousaf talk in Glasgow

STUDENTS will protest an event at Glasgow University featuring Michael Gove – after he called for the Israeli military to be given the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Spectator editor and former Tory minister will appear at an event with former first minister Humza Yousaf at Glasgow University on Tuesday evening.

Yousaf previously told The National he would confront Gove about his “grotesque” praise for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).

Students have now announced they will protest the event, branding him a “genocide supporter”.

In a post on Instagram, the Glasgow University Justice for Palestine Society said: “How dare he praise the [Israel Offensive Forces], how dare he have the audacity to come to our campus and try and educate us. Shame on Glasgow university for hosting him.

“If he thinks he is welcome on our campus he’s got another thing coming!”

Gove drew criticism for his praise of the Israeli military, after he suggested: “Why not nominate the men and women of the IDF for the Nobel Peace Prize?”

(Image: Gordon Terris)

Responding to Gove’s comments, Yousaf (above) said: “I've got family members, Nadia's family who've not just been made refugees by the IDF, but some of our extended family that have been killed by the IDF.

“To say that the IDF should then have a Nobel Peace Prize, as I say in my view, it's grotesque.”

“So doing the event gives me the opportunity to say that to his face.”

The event is billed as a talk between two major political figures who are set to discuss Brexit, independence and Covid. 

A Glasgow University spokesperson said: "As an institution we stand against hate or harassment of any kind. We regularly communicate with all our staff and students about the need for tolerance towards each other, and we reiterate this call for members of our community to be respectful at all times.

“However, universities are a place for debate, and it’s important that we continue to uphold the principles of academic freedom and freedom of speech.

“This includes the right of everyone to express their political views and the right to protest, and we fully recognise and respect the right of students and staff to do so within the law.”

Gove was approached for comment. 

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